Emma Greenwood, head of policy at Cancer Research UK, said the figures meant that thousands of patients were being failed.

“Today’s figures show a further decline in the 62-day-wait treatment target. Waiting times published in May showed the worst breach since records began in 2009. But today’s figures are even worse.

“There have been repeated failures to meet the target for the last 18 months, and half of all NHS trusts in England are now breaching the ‘62 day target’. England’s cancer survival already lags behind comparable countries and will only get worse if the target continues to be breached. This cannot be allowed to continue.

“These targets exist to ensure swift diagnosis of cancer and access to treatment. Patients want confidence that suspected cancer is taken seriously and is a priority for the NHS. These breaches have become a trend and they are worsening.

The charity called for urgent action to put the recommendations in the new Cancer Strategy into practice.

"We need to support the NHS and ensure it has the resources it needs to meet this challenge,” Greenwood said.

The new strategy, published last month, called for increased investment in diagnostic tests and for all patients to have swift access to appropriate treatment.

In the run-up to the last election, the Conservative party manifesto committed to implement the Strategy’s recommendations.

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Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666) and the Isle of Man (1103). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: Angel Building, 407 St John Street, London EC1V 4AD.